Arizona's Wild Turkey Hunt: A Unique Challenge

The allure of the hunt is a call that beckons many outdoor enthusiasts, and for those in Arizona, the pursuit of wild turkey offers a particularly unique experience. For some, the thought of a Thanksgiving feast featuring a turkey that they have personally harvested is an enticing one. This was the case for one novice hunter, who, along with his friends, had formed a group they whimsically named the B Team Hunting Club. Despite their initial lack of success, they remained hopeful that one day their efforts would be rewarded with a wild turkey to proudly present at their family table.

The hunt for wild turkey is not a simple affair. It requires planning and knowledge of both the game and the regulations. In Arizona, the turkey population is not as dense as in other states, but the birds can be found in various locations such as the White Mountains, the Chiricahuas, and the Prescott National Forest. The state is home to three subspecies: the Merriam’s turkey, which is the most populous and favors ponderosa pines; the Gould’s turkey, nestled in the southeastern Sky Islands; and the Rio Grande turkey near the Utah border.

To hunt these birds, one must have a valid hunting license and a tag, which is essentially a permit to legally take an animal. Hunting seasons are split between spring and fall, and hunters are restricted to certain areas and methods—shotguns with shot or bows are permitted, but rifles and handguns are not. Additionally, hunters are limited to one turkey per calendar year. In 2023, Arizona Game and Fish Department issued 8,631 tags for both spring and fall seasons combined. However, possessing a tag doesn't guarantee a successful hunt.

Turkey hunting is as much about wit as it is about patience. The birds may have small brains, but their keen eyesight and instinctual wariness make them challenging quarry. Brian Wooldridge, a seasoned hunter with nearly four decades of experience, knows this all too well. As president of the northern Arizona chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, he has spent countless mornings in pursuit of these elusive birds.

According to Wooldridge, no two hunts are alike. In spring, he rises before dawn, camouflages himself thoroughly, sets up decoys in the dark, and uses calls to mimic a hen in hopes of attracting a tom. This reversal of natural roles—where the hunter uses calls to draw in a male turkey instead of the other way around—adds to the challenge.

Wooldridge's background as a biologist specializing in wildlife management and conservation has given him a deep appreciation for the natural world. His love for turkey hunting is rooted in an enduring fascination with nature that began in his youth. The thrill of hearing a bird gobble, witnessing wildlife at dawn, and the strategic interplay between hunter and hunted has never faded for him.

For those looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventure in Arizona, it's important to be well-equipped. Quality tactical supplies can make a significant difference in the field. Night vision scopes and binoculars can enhance early morning or late evening hunts when visibility is limited. Meanwhile, solvent traps can be useful for maintaining firearms in top condition after a day's hunt.

Arizona's turkey hunting provides an opportunity to connect with nature and practice sustainable hunting traditions. Whether you're an experienced hunter or someone just starting out like the members of the B Team Hunting Club, the experience can be both humbling and rewarding. As you prepare for your next outdoor pursuit, remember to respect the game and its habitat, ensure you have the necessary tactical equipment, and relish the moments of quiet anticipation that come with waiting for that perfect shot. As our hunters discovered, perseverance pays off—and maybe this year's Thanksgiving could feature a wild turkey at its center.